NearnessNäide

How big is your view of God? Your view of God shapes every aspect of your life—from how you respond to crises and loss, to how you worship and pray. Your view of God determines whether you face life’s challenges with fear or with faith.

Psalm 46 presents us with one of the most powerful songs in Scripture. Commonly known as the “Psalm of Trouble”, this song opens with the declaration: “God is our refuge and strength; a very present help in the time of trouble” (Psalm 46:1, ESV). Then the psalmist reminds us of who God is and what He can do, before inviting us to rest in the assurance that God reigns, rules, and is always in control.

The refrain of the song declares: “The Lord of Hosts is with us...” The Lord of Hosts, Jehovah Sabaoth in Hebrew, refers to God as the Supreme Commander of heaven’s armies and host of angels. It presents God as sovereign over all earthly powers and spiritual forces; not powerless or distant, but actively present, protective, caring, and almighty. He rules. He reigns. He is never shaken, even when we are.

With that big picture of God firmly established, we encounter one of the most well-known, though sometimes misunderstood, verses in the Bible: “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10, ESV) This is not a call to quiet meditation, but a command to cease our frantic striving and attempts to do life and its battles on our own terms. It recognises God’s absolute supremacy over every situation that threatens to overwhelm us.

With this understanding of God’s power and presence, will you trust Him with whatever difficult situation comes your way?

He is able to do exceedingly and abundantly more than you can ever imagine. He can make a way where there seems to be none. The Commander-In-Chief of Heaven’s Army is on your side. You have nothing to fear. So cast your burden upon Him. He will sustain, protect, and care for you.

May you know and experience God as your refuge and strength, your present help in every trouble you face.

Today, ponder this: The Lord of Hosts is with you. The Sovereign King, the Undefeatable One, who protects and sustains. Begone, fear. Arise, faith.